WEST BENGAL RENAMES SABUJ SATHI AS SARATHI, 12.59 LAKH STUDENTS TO RECEIVE BICYCLES

September 29, 2026

The West Bengal government has renamed its student bicycle distribution programme, previously known as Sabuj Sathi, as Sarathi. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced the initiative at an event in Howrah on September 29, 2026, where bicycles were distributed to approximately 12.59 lakh students enrolled in government and government-aided schools across the state.

The programme aims to facilitate students’ daily commute to educational institutions, particularly for those travelling considerable distances from their homes. The bicycle distribution initiative is intended to improve accessibility to education and support school attendance among students from different socioeconomic backgrounds.

Originally introduced by the previous state government, Sabuj Sathi provided bicycles to eligible students to help overcome transportation-related difficulties. The current administration has retained the programme while introducing a new name and branding under Sarathi.

The relaunch forms part of the state government’s broader efforts to continue student welfare initiatives while revising the presentation and administration of existing schemes. The bicycle distribution programme is expected to benefit a substantial number of students, particularly in areas where access to affordable and convenient transportation remains a challenge.

The initiative highlights the continuing role of state-supported educational assistance programmes in addressing practical barriers to schooling and supporting students’ access to education across West Bengal.